Choosing sports shoes and trainers
Sports shoes are probably the most important piece of fitness equipment you'll buy, so it's vital to pick the right pair.
There are big differences in the way various sports shoes support your feet. This means it's not good for your feet if you play football or tennis in the same trainers you use for jogging, for example.
Mike O'Neill, from The College of Podiatry, says serious back, knee and hip pain, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints (leg pain), traumatised toes and painful blisters are some of the conditions people wearing ill-fitting trainers may face.
"Unfortunately, 65% of the UK's recreational sportsmen and women wear the wrong shoes for their chosen sport," he says. "Trainers are the most important piece of fitness equipment you'll ever buy, and changing what you wear on your feet can prevent injuries."
Football boots
Football can put a lot of stress on the feet, particularly when you're playing on hard surfaces such as artificial turf.
The boots can also put pressure on your feet, and it's not unusual for a footballer to develop corns and calluses or damaged, thickened and ingrown toenails.
A good, well-fitting pair of boots is essential. There shouldn't be any signs of pressure on the foot after a game or training session.
Tennis and squash shoes
When playing racquet sports, such as tennis or squash, it's important to choose shoes specifically designed for the purpose.
These sports involve a lot of side-to-side movement, and running shoes won't offer the right stability.
Racquet-sport shoes are heavier and stiffer than running shoes, as their toes are built for stop-and-go action.
Comfort should be your number 1 priority, and it's important to replace your sports shoes frequently.
Aerobics trainers
Fitness shoes are ideal for aerobics because they combine flexibility, support and cushioning to absorb impact and lessen shock to the feet.
Running shoes
Running shoes are great for running – and only running. They're very flexible, allowing the foot to bend and flex through each step, but they're not suitable for sports like tennis that involve sideways stepping.
It's a good idea to get your running shoes properly fitted to suit your foot type. If they're too small, they can cause blisters and black toenails.
There are many different types of running shoes on the market, so try to find a specialist retailer who'll assess your foot and recommend the right shoe for you.
Good specialist running shoe retailers will offer gait analysis to get you in the right type of running shoe.